Is the local cigarette tax to fund Philadelphia schools in jeopardy again? Angela Couloumbis and Troy Graham report that House Republicans in Harrisburg are having trouble whipping Republican votes for the state enabling legislation in a special session scheduled for next week. For now, their caucus spokesman says it's still on the calendar.

State Senator Larry Farnese and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson each joined Senator Anthony WIlliams yesterday in publicly supporting the pop-up beer gardens' regulatory status. Councilman Johnson's office released a letter to Rep. John Taylor indicating his support for the current LCB interpretation of the regulations governing off-premise catering permits, while Senator Farnese's email to constituents held out the possibility of legislating a "balanced" solution. "If it becomes necessary that legislation is needed to correct any discrepancies in the original Act, I will work to ensure that the solution is balanced."

The Wall Street Journal looks at how some transit agencies are getting creative, and tapping the higher land values around transit stations to fund their operations with walkable mixed-use development. The land under all those Park 'n' Rides turns out to be quite valuable: "According to a study released by industry group American Public Transportation Association in 2013, property values within walking distance of public transit stations were 41.6% higher than other properties in the same region." Here's Econsult's study of the land value-add from SEPTA regional rail.

About the author

Jon Geeting, Engagement Editor

Jon Geeting is the Engagement Editor at Plan Philly. He has covered city and state politics, land use, transportation, and economic policy for Next City, Keystone Politics, This Old City, Philadelphia Magazine, and City Paper.

Jon grew up in Bethlehem, PA and moved to Philadelphia in 2013 after an 11-year detour to New York City. Follow him on Twitter @jongeeting, or send tips to jgeeting@gmail.com.